Folly Arboretum, on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. To mark the jubilee year, the garden is preparing a host of special programmes.
Over the long weekend of 1 May, visitors can leave a mark for the future by placing a time capsule, while nature lovers can take on a challenge hike that is also suitable for children. There will also be a matinee programme, and wine lovers can get to know the distinctive character of local wines at a special wine dinner featuring vintages of Rhine Riesling.
“Our great-grandfather planted the first trees, our grandfather carried on the work in defiance of communism, and then our father opened the family’s carefully guarded treasure to the public,” says Folly Réka, the founder’s great-granddaughter, who runs the arboretum together with her family.
One of the country’s most remarkable botanical gardens was founded in 1905 by Dr Folly Gyula. A doctor at the Zsolnay factory in Pécs, he planted the first trees on the slopes of Kisörsi Hill, on an estate that came to the family as his wife’s dowry, and the garden has been tended by his descendants ever since.
The garden is preparing a host of exciting programmes for its 120th anniversary
The anniversary year officially opens on 26 April: the spring adopters’ day will be held that day, and children can enjoy face painting. From that weekend onwards, the guided garden walks will be enriched with a time-travel theme.
The anniversary will also be celebrated with a special series of events on 1 May and the long weekend that follows. A guided challenge hike will set off to the ruins of the Pauline monastery at Salföld. After the hike, arboretum visitors will also place a time capsule bearing the message “to be opened in 120 years” – it will also contain garden-related objects suggested by the guests.
The long weekend’s programmes include a Rhine Riesling vertical wine dinner showcasing the best wines of recent years, as well as garden walks with light painting, while a family escape room offers exciting experiences for young and old alike. The long weekend closes on Sunday 4 May with a matinee inviting 7–12-year-olds to playfully explore the arboretum’s plant life. The detailed programme can be found here.
Source: Turizmus Online